Camera

This is my newest camera that I got from Precision Camera right here in Austin (also available on Amazon). Its super lightweight which makes it great for traveling. It has 24.2 megapixels sensor for really great quality high-resolution images. It’s got a sweet touchscreen that makes adjusting settings easy. My favorite part though is definitely the Wi-Fi feature — through the Canon app, you can send the photos straight from your camera to your phone no matter where you are! Which makes posting to Instagram a lot easier when on the road. I would highly recommend this camera to anyone who wants a high-quality camera for a great price (under $600)!

I recently got a new camera (mentioned above), but I STILL keep this camera body in case I ever need a second camera. I’ve had it for almost 9 years now (the link above is the newest version) and have never had an issue! It’s not the fanciest camera Canon makes by far, but it’s definitely a great model and gets the job done for me. A con is that it’s not the easiest to use in manual, but it takes great photos in the automatic modes, making it a good choice for beginners.

Lenses

When it comes to DSLR cameras, it’s all about the lenses. I have 4 lenses for my camera and an additional fisheye/macro attachment.

This is a long telephoto lens and has fantastic zoom capabilities! It’s great for capturing things really far away and creating a lovely depth of field. I use this for wildlife or getting fine details.

The Macro and wide angle/fisheye lens attachment just screws on to the end of my other lenses. To be honest, I don’t use these all that much, but, they can create some cool, artsy effects.

Drone

I finally bit the bullet and got myself a drone! After much deliberation and research, I decided to get the DJI Spark.

I am so happy with it! It’s so small, super lightweight, and very easy to use! I would highly recommend for anyone looking for a great beginner drone. I suggest the “Fly More” package because it comes with extra batteries, a controller (super necessary), and a carrying case!

Camera Bag

I am super excited to share this one with yall! I just recently got this Pacsafe Camsafe Backpack and am loving it! It is perfect for travelers because the safety features are amazing. The fabric and straps are made of eXomesh and are slash-proof. There are RFID blocking pockets that protect from scan scam. The zippers have a clip lock, making it difficult for pickpockets. It also has a front chest clip for comfort and security.

The bag itself holds most DSLRs with a lens and 2-3 additional lenses. The website says it holds fewer, but I was able to get my camera and all lenses in just fine (granted the pancake lens is quite small)! There is an easy access zipper on the side that lets you take lenses in and out. The back has really comfy padding. Even with all my gear in it, the weight didn’t feel too heavy at all. There is also a space for a tripod or drink bottle. I did get this backpack sponsored, but if you couldn’t tell, I really am in love with it! You can get it on their website or on Amazon! PS – they don’t just make camera bags, they make all kinds of anti-theft bags including luggage, purses, wallets, and more!

Accessories

Extra Batteries

If you traveling, these will be a lifesaver. There have many times when I wasn’t able to charge my camera battery from the day before, and my back-up saved me.

Tripod

Tripods are necessary for any low light or long exposure settings. I have a Vanguard Espod CX 204AP and it’s been great for me.

I also use it when I’m traveling on my own to get photos of me, like the one below:

Lens filters

I have a couple different lens filters that I use. The first is a polarizer. It’s great for cutting out glare and reducing reflection.

The next is a UV protector. It reduces UV light and helps eliminate a blue-ish cast in photos.

The last filter I have is an ND (Neutral Density) filter. This is for more advanced photography, but basically, it allows you to take longer exposures in brighter light.

Cleaning tools

An assortment of brushes and cleaning cloths are always handy. Mine all came in the kit I bought my wide angle lens with.

Memory Cards

It’s always good to have a couple of these. I just got a Lexar 64 GB that holds thousands of RAW photos, it’s great. I also have a couple smaller GB SanDisk ones as well. I’d say it’s worth it to get at least a 32 GB card.

Wireless Timer Remote

I use my wireless timer remote mainly for time lapses and self-portraits. Because it’s wireless, you can set your camera up on a tripod and simply press a button on the remote to take a picture — perfect for solo travelers!

Lens Hood

This is another accessory that came with my 10-18 mm lens kit. To be honest, I didn’t really know what this did before getting it, just thought it looked cool haha! But it helps with reducing lens flare (which I actually kinda like sometimes) and protects the lens (the main reason I use it). You can buy one cheaply on Amazon, just be sure to check the size of your lens, it’s not one size fits all!

Amazon offers a good accessories kit for $15 that includes lens filters, a lens hood, an extra lens cap, and a cleaning cloth!

Action Camera

I am always so excited to tell people about this camera! Coming to Australia I knew I wanted an underwater camera but was about to take a serious pay cut from my last job so wanted a cheaper option than a GoPro. GoPros are awesome cameras, but I was able to find an alternative on Amazon that I absolutely LOVE — and it’s only $50 USD! I took some really great pics on the Great Barrier Reef and in Fiji.

Polaroid Camera

My dad saw this on my Holiday Gift Guide for Travelers and got it for me for my birthday! I’m still learning to play with it, but it definitely can add some fun to your travel pics!

iPhone

The quality of iPhone photos continues to amaze me! You don’t necessarily need a big fancy DSLR camera to take amazing travel pictures, an iPhone is a great option, and way more convenient to carry around with you.

So there ya have it! A rundown of all the gear I use. Important to note: I don’t take every single thing with me whenever I travel, I cater it to where I’m going and what I’m going to be doing. No need for me to bring a portrait lens if I’m going to be shooting only landscape and vice versa! If you have any other questions on gear or even travel photography in general, just drop me a note 🙂